Resolution Urging Washington State Adoption of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program

WHEREAS gasoline
is the single largest source of carbon emissions in Washington State[2];

WHEREAS the
electricity that powers electric vehicles in Washington State is overwhelmingly
produced by renewable energy[3];

WHEREAS electric
vehicles do not emit carbon or other pollutants nor leak motor oil into
waterways;

WHEREAS the cost
of electric vehicles is at or in approximate parity with comparable
gasoline-powered vehicles on a lifetime cost-of-ownership basis[4];

WHEREAS ten
states–California, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont and Maine–have adopted the Zero Emissions
Vehicle (ZEV) program[5] first
developed in California, and the state of Colorado is close to adopting it as
well[6];

WHEREAS the ZEV
program requires that 2.5% of each automaker’s vehicles sold in the state be
electric in 2019, rising to approximately 8% by 2025[7];

WHEREAS the ZEV
program has already resulted in a greater availability and variety of electric
vehicles, more consumer choice, and lower prices, in the states that have
adopted it[8], and

THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED that we urge the Washington State Legislature to promptly enact
legislation to adopt the ZEV program; and

BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution, when adopted, be sent promptly to Governor
Inslee and to each of our State Senators and Representatives.